Freshman Melissa Rivera, 15, of West Long Branch, who is blind, works on a Braille machine with teacher's aide Tammy Smith of Middletown. / (STAFF PHOTO: BOB BIELK)

Written by

ARABIA WASHINGTON

and MATT DENBLEYKER

THE DEFINITION: The attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as difficult, or painful, according to the Webster's New World Dictionary.

THE EXAMPLE: Melissa Rivera, 15, of West Long Branch and a freshman at the Harbor School in Eatontown where she has been a student for eight years.

HERE'S WHY: For Melissa, blind since birth, courage is the only way she gets through her day. Even while missing one of the five senses, this doesn't slow Melissa down. From walking through the halls to walking through Eatontown with her class to answering a question in class, Melissa uses her courage all day.

"Melissa has become a very well-liked girl who will try anything," says teacher Nancy Congo of Red Bank, whom Melissa says is her favorite teacher.

"She is very nice," Melissa says. "She teaches us to stay healthy. She teaches me to be a responsible teenager in the community."

Along with the guidance of Tammy Smith of Red Bank, Melissa's one-on-one aide of seven years, she navigates her way through the school's hallways recognizing everyone she passes by their voices.

"Melissa doesn't miss a trick," says speech teacher Miki Murphy of Middletown. "She can know who a person is by their voice after two words."

Principal Anne Gunteski explains since Melissa cannot see, the staff tries to strengthen her other senses to help her compensate.

"Whenever I see her (Melissa), I try to identify myself so as not to confuse her even though she can identify people by their voices," Gunteski says.

Melissa takes part in as many school activities as she can. She reads stories to younger children using Braille (she studies Braille twice a week with a private teacher). Her activities are not confined to the classroom or even the school. "I really like going over to the (Eatontown) Community Center and talking with the senior ladies," Melissa says, "We bring them food."

"Melissa is really silly; she likes to make a lot of jokes when we are on the bus together," says Yusef Quarles, 21, a senior from Long Branch.

"I really look forward to coming to school every day," Melissa says, "I like learning math and science and talking with my friends."